The SNCF, wishes to make you discover its historical heritage, including the rotunda of Pautrier, industrial architecture of the XIXth century.
Built in 1889, it is primarily used for the maintenance, storage and swivel of steam locomotives. The rotunda of Pautrier is one of the largest rotundas of the type «PLM» in addition to being one of the few to have preserved the entirety of its original metal frame and other remarkable elements to discover.
Abandoned for years, it was renovated in the utmost respect of the original provisions and reopened in March 2020 to become the flagship of the TER in PACA. It now hosts new TER trains at the head of the Marseille Saint Charles train station and thus returns to its original function.
During the European Heritage Days, we offer you a trip to the heart of the 19th century, a place linked to the history of Marseille and the French railway network. A guided tour will be organized to discover the history of the rotunda.
During this visit, visitors will be able to board the CC 6570 and BB 25660, welcomed by members of the association APCC 6570 for the visit of the driving cabins. Visitors will receive detailed feedback on the operation of such locomotives and the service they performed during their active service. It will also be explained to them the evolution of technologies, in particular the transition from electromechanics to power electronics from the end of the 1970s.
Finally, throughout the course, explanations will be provided on how the actors of the site act in favour of the environment and sustainable development.